A model to align strategy formulation and implementation in higher education institutions in Brazil

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to create ways of improving the alignment of strategy formulation and implementation in Brazil’s higher education institutions (HEIs). Design/methodology/approach: Evolution of scenarios and models through a 12-step process to assist strategy formulation and implementation for managerial/social activity in Brazil’s HEIs. Simple set theory was used as a backbone to assist scenario building. Two models were created. First, focused on an autopoietic model relating to Brazil’s HEIs. The second embedded the autopoietic model in a limited number of forces in Brazil that influence the HEIs but lie beyond their control. The process was corroborated by survey methods using respondents from Brazil and elsewhere. Findings: In total, 22 respondents from within and outside Brazil confirmed the content of the scenarios while a small sample from within Brazil’s HEIs confirmed their usefulness in assisting strategy formulation and implementation. Practical implications: Further experience in using the autopoietic model is needed to widen its corroboration beyond experience in this study. Originality/value: Confirmation of a 12-step scenario-based process for strategy formulation and implementation and corroboration of its usefulness through a limited sample of respondents.